Introduction

Making a film is a big undertaking and submitting it to a festival can be a daunting task. However, with the right preparation and research, submitting your film to a festival can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Knowing what to expect and having a plan can make all the difference in your success. This article will provide a guide for filmmakers on how to submit their films to festivals.

Research Festivals

Before submitting your film to a festival, it’s important to do your research. There are a variety of festivals and some may be better suited to your film than others. You should consider the size, relevance, and prestige of the festival. For example, a smaller, local festival may be better suited to your film than a larger, national festival.

You should also consider the types of films that the festival typically accepts. Some festivals may prefer certain types of films such as documentaries or independent films. You should also research the festival’s deadlines and submission requirements.

Prepare Materials

Once you’ve chosen a festival, it’s time to prepare your materials. You’ll need to have a completed film, a trailer, and a press kit. Your film should be ready for submission and should meet the technical requirements of the festival. You’ll also need to create a trailer for your film that is no longer than two minutes.

Your press kit should include a synopsis of your film, a director’s statement, production credits, and a few stills from the film. You should also include a link to your film’s website if it has one. The press kit should be concise, professional, and visually appealing.

Submit Your Film

Once you’ve prepared all of the necessary materials, you’ll need to submit your film to the festival. Most festivals will have an online submission form that you can fill out. You’ll need to provide information about your film including the title, length, format, and genre. You’ll also need to provide contact information and a link to your trailer.

Once you’ve submitted your film, it’s important to follow up with the festival. This can be done by email or phone. It’s also important to stay organized and keep track of all of your submissions.

Promote Your Film

Once your film has been accepted to a festival, it’s important to promote it. You should create a website for your film and use social media to spread the word. You should also reach out to local press and create a press release to promote your film.

Conclusion

Submitting your film to a festival can be a daunting task, but with the right preparation and research, it can be a rewarding experience. Knowing what to expect and having a plan can make all the difference in your success. By researching festivals, preparing materials, submitting your film, and promoting it, you can increase your chances of success.